8 Best Material for RV Ceiling & How to Choose Perfectly?

People buy RVs so that they can travel to remote destinations with their families and friends in comfort. If you’re someone who travels a lot in RVs, you know that they quickly become like your own home.

You often have to stay in them for long hours. A great way to feel more at home is to decorate it to your taste. Changing or decorating the roof of your RV is a great first step. So we are here to help you find the best material for RV ceiling.  

There are many factors to keep in mind before you start redecorating, but don’t worry; we are here to help you through the entire process so that you get your desired look with ease.

8 best material for rv ceiling Reviews

Choosing the perfect material and accessories for your ceiling panel can be tough and confusing, so we are here to help you with a few suggestions. Below, we have provided a list of products to help you decorate easily.

1. Dicor 501LSW-1 Self-Leveling Lap Sealant - Best RV Roof Sealant

Sealing or re-caulking any holes or gaps in your ceiling is very important. If any unwanted air or debris makes its way into the layer between your ceiling and the actual rooftop, your ceiling's integrity will be hampered.

A good quality sealant is crucial to have at hand. Not only will it be useful while installing your ceiling, but you will see that you need this for many projects around the house.

The Dicor sealant can work with all types of ceiling materials. No matter what you choose, it is compatible with all things from aluminum, mortar, wood, vinyl, galvanized metal to even concrete.

This sealant is also UV stabilized, meaning it will not break down or be affected by any weather change. It will have a consistent color throughout its service and will never deteriorate.

Many sealants tent to change the color, texture, and finish of roof materials. This is commonly seen, especially when you use wood or fabric as your ceiling material. But this one, no matter what you choose to replace your RV ceiling with, will have absolutely no effect on the color or finish of it. It won't stain or change the product.

This brand, in particular, is well known for its ability to provide the strongest adhesion to vent pipes, roof edges, screw heads, and around the air vents.

You get four tubes in this pack, which will easily last through your entire replacing process. It’s a great deal for the price as well.

Highlighted Features:

• UV stabilized sealant
• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• It does not affect your ceiling's material. No discoloration, no staining.
• Great for using on vent pipes, roof edges, screw heads and around the air vents

2. EternaBond RSW-4-50 RoofSeal Sealant Tape – Best RV Roof Repair

Regarded as the best RV ceiling material by many, you will find this one quite useful in your ceiling replacement journey. A sealing tape can come in handy in many situations, and you will often find yourself searching for it.

A good sealant tape will make sure that it covers all the nooks and crevices. Often you will see that in hotter climates, adhesives tend to lose their integrity and give out. This causes things to go out of place.

If you travel a lot to warmer destinations, this one is an excellent choice because it is perfect for the summer weather. Even if you park your RV right under the sun, there will be little to no damage.

These kinds of tapes are also elementary to use. If you can manage to get a clean and dust-free surface, these are ready to be stuck right on. Also, for your ease of use, the sticky side of this tape comes with a silicone lining so that you do not get it stuck on other stuff and end up creating a mess.

One of the best features of this tape is how flexible it is. It can be both stretched and contracted to a great extent. So this will adapt to any shape or structure no matter how curvy or oddly shaped. It is self-leveling.

The adhesive side is sturdy and will make sure that once you stick it onto something, it is there for good. We highly recommend this product for sealing cracks as well as this tape eliminates all air bubbles. You can count on this one for all your tapings.

Highlighted Features:

• Stretchy material with a high elastic limit
• Great for warm and humid areas
• Super sticky
• Eliminates air bubbles
• Self-Leveling
• User-Friendly
• Great for sealing cracks

3. Flex Seal Liquid Rubber in a Can - Best RV Roof Coating

This rubber in a can is for situations where you need a more hardcore sealant. Something that will block out all air and water.

Furthermore, this sealant will be your best friend when you need a thick rubberized coating. It is fully waterproof and airtight, as well.

This flexible rubber coating is straightforward to apply. It's improved packaging now allows you to pour it out, dip it or even roll it on. It is easy to use. You can paint this on. So if you decide to do this project on your won with little or no experience, the chances of you doing a bad job are slim.  

You can also use this on all types of materials. This has excellent reviews for working fantastic on concrete, especially.

As it dries down clear, you do not have to worry about this sealant ruining the look of your ceiling. You will not even know that it is there. Another benefit of this being clear is that you can easily paint over it if needed. It applies very smoothly with no air bubbles and no extra touch up.

This will be the best RV roof coating if you have a child on board. This coating is non-hazardous, non-toxic, non-flammable, and also safe for plants and animals.

The UV resistance makes sure that the sealant lasts you a lifetime and does not wear out. Aside from proving great coverage, this product also prevents corrosion and rust.

Highlighted Features:

• Water-Resistant and airtight
• Prevents rust and corrosion
• Easy to apply
• Works great on concrete
• Dries down clear
• You can paint on top of it

4. Fan-Tastic Vent 1250 Series White RV Roof Vent – Best RV Roof Vent

You pack a lot in your RV and so it is easy for the inside to get humid, congested, and smelly. Having good airflow in your RV will keep the inside fresh and prevent you from feeling claustrophobic.

It is easy to fall sick if you are breathing in heavy air for an extended period. Being on the road for such a long time is frustrating on its own, but you will find yourself being in an even worse mood if, throughout this long journey, you do not get any fresh air.

The key to being a top-quality RV roof vent can provide high-quality ventilation. This product has three different fan speeds, slow, medium, and fast. These three speeds allow speedy ventilation when you detect a lot of congestion.

You can set it to detect the level of ventilation needed, and it can change the blade speed on its own. Its powerful ten blade mechanism gives the quickest results. You can also control the speed manually.

A simple flick of the reverse switch will turn this roof vent onto a fan. You get two services in one. It can both suck the air in and blow it out.

When you are not using this vent, you can close the cover using the lifting knob to seal all gaps. This will prevent insects like mosquitoes or flies from getting in.

It is energy-saving, so you do not have to worry about your electricity bill. You also do not have to worry about any annoying buzzing noises. This fan works quietly with absolutely no sound.

The compact size allows you to install this is any room without it making that much of a change to your décor.

This ventilation system will replace all the smelly humid, warm air with cool and fresh air.

Highlighted Features:

• Compact size
• Features three different fan speeds
• Cleans out air very quickly
• Serves as both a vent and a fan
• Can be sealed tightly to cover all gaps when not in use

5. Class A Customs Superflex RV Rubber Roof Kit – Best RV Rubber Roof

Installing a rubber roof to your RV adds excellent advantages. If installed properly, this can make your RV waterproof and leak-free. It will also help keep you cool in the summer. So, it's undoubtedly one of the best, if not the very best material for RV ceiling.

With five tubes of sealant, two gallons of adhesive, thirty feet PR Superflex, and four rolls of putty tape, this is the best RV rubber roof kit you can get.

This one is extremely easy to install. You do not need to be a skilled professional to set this thing up. It is also extremely lightweight. This helps to achieve more gas mileage compared to other materials like wood or metal. The material is also quite strong and sturdy. 

It won’t crack easily, nor will it chalk. So you do not need to worry about replacing this any time soon. Even if you do manage to get some damage, you can easily repair it.

The consistency of it is very stretchy. So you can customize this to your needs. You can mold it into any shape, so this can fit into any roof. No need to worry about color fading either, this will keep on looking good as new for a long time.

Sometimes when you receive this package, the rubber might seem a little hard to work with. If you keep it in the sun for a few hours, it will become soft and moldable again.

Although this requires a lot of patience and has to be carefully done for the best results, it is quite beginner-friendly.

Highlighted Features:

• Includes all accessories needed
• Comes with a self-leveling sealant
• Very flexible material
• High product longevity
• Easy to install
• Color won’t fade

6. Dicor RP-RRK-30 RV Roof Renew Kit – Best RV Roof Kit

Dicor is a brand that all RV owners trust. So for our second product from the company, we have you a complete kit that includes all the materials that you will need to renew your RV ceiling. 

This kit even comes with a paint roller and a paint pan! It also features 4 gallons of coating, cover tape, dicor cleaner, masking tape, and Roller covers. So as you can see, this set has you covered.

With its thoroughly detailed instruction manual, this set also makes sure that you do not get confused in any way. It has enough products to cover a thirty feet roof. So with more than what you would usually need, chances are you will even have leftovers with this set. Overall, this is the best RV roof kit for renewing or refreshing.

You also get a seam sealing tape that helps cover cracks and gaps in EPDM or TPO RC ceilings.

If you find yourself in a situation where you only need to fix one part of your ceiling, do not worry because you can buy each of these items individually.

Merely cleaning your ceiling with the low viscosity cleaner activator for a fresh base and applying one or two coats of the acrylic coating will make your ceiling look good as new.

It’s a good idea to freshen up or touch up your ceiling once in a while, and no one can do the job better than these products.

Highlighted Features:

• Paint roller and pan included
• Individual items can be bought individually
• Comes with instructions
• High-Quality cleaner activator
• Seam sealing tape also included
• Good for touch-ups

7. Dicor RP-RRK-30 RV Roof Renew Kit – Best RV Roof Cleaner And Protectant

If you do not have a lot of time in your hand to give your ceiling a thorough cleanse and want quick and efficient results; this is the cleaner for you.

This two-step cleaner does not only make your rubber roof look good as new, but also helps to protect it. 

The coat provides your ceiling with UV protection and also helps make it resistant to dirt. This will make sure that you do not have to clean your ceiling that often.

While traveling, you get a lot of dirt and stains inside your RV. You have grime from all around the world stuck onto your ceiling. Chances are after the long journey; you won't have the patience to sit and go through a whole process for cleaning up.

With only two steps, your ceiling will get a thorough deep to cleanse. Clean the ceiling in the first step to getting rid of all the oxidation, stains, road grime, and even tree sap out and seal the clean and fresh ceiling with the second coat to make it resistant to dirt, stains and unwanted moisture.

It is also a great thing to have while traveling. You never know when you might have company, so to be prepared for all situations and a quick clean up, carry this around during your adventure.

The liquids come in very sturdy packaging, so no need to worry about leakage.

Highlighted Features:

• Only two steps
• Quick and easy
• Provides a thorough cleanse
• Increases the longevity of your ceiling
• Travel-Friendly

8. Dicor RP-CRC-1 Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating Wht – Best Epdm Rubber Roofing

Our third and final product of the brand! Once you use this product, you will see why we always recommend products from here.

This is a great product to coat your ceiling with. It increases the lifetime of your rubber ceiling and reduces future maintenance.

If you have a ceiling that is ill-fitted, has a lot of cracks or gaps and is not smooth at all, this product is a must-have. Make your ceiling lump-free, scratch-resistant, and waterproof with this coating.

A great advantage that this one adds to your ceiling is that it eliminates any noise or vibrations. You can get a noise-free, safe, and sound sleep at night.

It is also effortless to use. The texture of this is so smooth and flowy that it just works with you. It's an exceptionally flexible property that makes your job easier. You can put this layer on your own with no help required at all. 

The product also dries down entirely in one or two days. You do not need more than two coats, but you could go for a third if you want a polished and shiny finish. There is enough product for you to go for thirds or even fourth layers. Overall, this one is a great EPDM rubber roofing.

Highlighted Features:

• Dries down quickly
• More than enough product provided
• Gets rid of unwanted ceiling vibrations
• Reduces the need for future maintenance

Choosing the Right Materials to Replace Your RV Ceiling Panels

When it comes to replacing your RV ceiling, you have a lot of options to choose from. Here are some that you can consider:

1. Wood

Wood, as decor, always gives the room a classy and elegant look. Plywood and tongue-and-groove are two of the most popular choices when it comes to wood. 

People tend to be more into plywood, as it is cheap, easy to find in any building supply store, and can be reshaped to any size you want. It is also easy to customize according to your needs. A few things to consider before you buy plywood as your ceiling material is that it is not waterproof and also catches fire easily.

So, you have to be very careful with open flames and the wiring in your RV.

2. Metal

This choice will give you a very polished and sleek look. It is also extremely durable and will last you a lifetime. All you need to do to install them is nail them to the top surface. Unlike wood, you do not need to be very skilled to install this.

You can also customize the color you want for metal. Metal ceilings are waterproof, odor-resistant, and even fire safety. Cleaning a metal ceiling is also no problem at all, as no dirt or debris stuck to it.

3. Fabric

This one is a good choice for all the vloggers and podcasters out there as it increases the indoor sound quality of your RV. It gives the room a home-like look and makes your RV look ten times more inviting.

Fabric can be installed very easily as well, but it is not waterproof and is very hard to clean. If you get stains on the ceiling, you cannot remove it easily as fabric soaks up the dirt. This type of ceiling is also not odor resistant and can catch on fire very easily.

4. Vinyl/PVC

Vinyl ceilings give your RV a very modern look. They are well known for ease of customization and their great service in humid areas.

This is the best material to use for bathrooms and also kitchens.

Cleaning this up is no problem at all, and it is also waterproof. It does not catch fire easily, as well. So, this can be considered as the best material for RV ceiling.

5. Paneling

Paneling and using wood are quite similar. The benefits and drawbacks of both are the same, but while using paneling, you have the freedom to paint over it and also choose from different colors and patterns.

6. Plastic and Styrofoam

This is an excellent option if you want an easy and quick replacement. It's a cheaper option that can be cut with scissors and fixed into place with some adhesive. But it does fall short when it comes to longevity.

7. Fiberglass

Similar to paneling, fiberglass is also easy to install. These are incredibly lightweight and can be glued in place with some adhesive. You have to make sure that the surface you are sticking them onto is clean and free of debris. It is easy to clean, waterproof, and also sturdy.

8. Stencils

Although these are tough to install, they add a lot to the interior f your RV. They are quite popular now. You can have a lot of fun with this option as there are a lot of options to choose from. Stencils will also last you a long time and are, most of the time, waterproof.

9. Metallic Tiles

This is a great option if you want to hide old stains or scratches from your ceiling. The installation process is also simple; you need a plywood board onto which you nail the tiles. This option is a bit on the more expensive side, but it does help transform your RV decor.

What to Consider When Choosing Your RV Ceiling Material?

Below we’ll talk about the factors you need to consider for choosing the right RV ceiling material.

1. Room

You need to choose what types of veiling you want to put in each room, depending on what look you are going for. All the rooms in your RV could have the same texture and finish, or you could choose different ones for each.

Choosing ceilings for kitchens, living spaces, or bathrooms can be tricky. A lot depends on the style, color, and depth of the ceiling. Usually, you want these parts of your RV to look elegant, spacious, and inviting.

So, there are lots of things to consider. On the other hand, choosing a ceiling for your bedroom is completely a personal choice. It can be dark or well lit, vibrant, or dull; it's up to you.

Thereby, you need to see which room you are working on to choose the best RV ceiling material.

2. Waterproof

This is a must-have feature for bathrooms and kitchens. The ceiling in your bathroom will be in frequent contact with water. If you choose something that is not water-resistant, the ceiling with dampening and become weak. It will also look quite unappealing and cause your bathroom to look like a mess.

Also, in kitchens, a lot of vapor and steam are released while cooking — all these flow to the top of the room. The strong smell of spices, fish, or poultry is also something that you need to think of. Waterproof ceilings are odor resistant, so no matter how strong something smells, it won't stick to the walls.

It’s a good idea to get waterproof ceilings all around the RV, but it is an absolute necessity in bathrooms and kitchens.

3. Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning a ceiling is a tough job. There is no need to make the job harder by choosing a material that gets stained easily or is a hassle to scrub.

When you are working on something hard to reach, simply washing it with a damp cloth should do it.

Choose a material that is not hard to clean and does not get discolored. You don’t want to keep on changing your ceiling every time it gets dirty. Waterproof materials are a good choice in this case as they can be cleaned easily because of their outer layer.

4. Durability

As mentioned before, you don't want to replace your ceiling often. It's a waste of time and money. Choose something that you know is going to serve for a long time.

It should have high product longevity and not wear or tear easily. Something that is scratch proof and does not scrape easily will make your life easier and also help make your RV look its best for a long time.

Weather is also a factor to consider here. Make sure the material you choose does not leak, crack, or tear in any condition. The material should be sturdy and be unaffected in all weather conditions.

5. Fire Resistance

Safety is your priority. You must be safe from fire, so choose fire-resistant materials for your decor.

Always check and analyze the material you are going for. Make sure to not end up with something flammable.

The material should provide you at least a little bit of protection. It should be something that does not catch fire easily, as you will have stoves and lighters around in your RV.

Before making any big changes, communicate with your insurance company for coverage of any damages.

6. Installation

No one wants to hire special help for installing ceilings or work for hours on it, either. You are making your RV look more beautiful; it should not be something that you dread.

Save your time and energy by choosing something easy to install. Make it a fun activity; invite your friends and family over to help you.

Don’t go for something that requires complicated labor and hard work.

RV Ceiling Installation Accessories

Let’s get to know the RV ceiling installation accessories:

1. Construction Adhesive

If you have to use adhesive or glue for your work, it should be very strong. You do not want anything falling off on to your head. Use something of industrial strength.

The glue should be powerful enough to hold together anything that you have attached for years to come. Extremely high or low temperatures should not influence the integrity of this glue. Weather change shouldn't have any effect either.

Getting an adhesive that dries down clear and can be painted over will be great for decoration.

2. Caulking Gun

Caulk is something that you are going to be using a lot of. It is used to fill in gaps and spaces to seal it and make it airtight. Getting this goop out from the tube without a caulking gun is quite a hard task.

Getting a good caulking gun will save you lots of energy and help you with a smooth and easy application.

If you do not own one yet, this is a great time to buy it. It comes in handy throughout the house.

3. KILZ Primer

If a simple paint job is all you want for your ceiling decoration, use primer for an even and polished look.

Using a few coats of primer before the layers of your desired paint will make sure the color pops more and is true to its color.

It will also make sure that the surface is even and does not have any stains. A primer is a must for a polished and sleek look.

The best primer in the market for this job is the KILZ primer. This quick-dry primer helps eliminate all odors and keeps the paint fresh and vibrant for a longer time. It's easy to use and dries down completely in thirty minutes. This will easily be the best choice for you.

4. Semi-Gloss Paint

You will need good quality paint for your decor. Get something that will not chip easily and won't fade over time. Many weatherproof pains are available in the market that is good for painting wood, metal, or your RV ceiling. Semi-Gloss paint is the best for decorative wall painting.

5. Roller

If there is painting involved, it goes without saying that you will need a roller brush. These are not that expensive and can easily be found in any hardware or paint shop. Buy a few new ones for your project, do not use old worn out ones; they will do a sloppy job and won't give you even results.

Insulate Your RV Ceiling before Adding New Ceiling Material

A good insulation system will only add to your comfort. Good insulation in the RV will make sure to keep the heat inside in winter and also keep the interior cool in summer.

Upgrade your insulation system or install a new one to save money on heating and cooling. This will help maintain a constant pleasant environment inside your RV. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Ceiling Material is the Best Choice?

Answer: This depends on a lot of external factors. Such as the look that you want, the weather conditions you will probably face, and also the duration and way you use the material. It is wise to use durable and waterproof material.

2. Where are You Using the RV Ceiling Material that You are Considering?

Answer: Different rooms have different requirements and necessities. Whether you use fabric, metal, or wood will depend on the room you are working on.  For example, your bathroom and kitchen ceilings need to be waterproof at all costs, whereas your living room or bedrooms can skip that quality.

You can also choose to keep a constant theme across your RV and use the same material in all rooms, or you can spice it up with varieties.

Think before you make a decision. Consider all possibilities and needs.

3. Does the RV Ceiling Material Need to Be Waterproof?

Answer: As we have said earlier, your kitchen and bathroom ceiling material must be waterproof. Otherwise, you will need to replace the ceiling in a short time; this will be an unnecessary expenditure. You can easily avoid this issue by choosing a waterproof RV ceiling material.

Waterproof material will also help keep the RV odor-free and fresh.

4. How Hard is It to Clean The Ceiling Material?

Answer: This depends on the type of material you have chosen. The best RV ceiling material can be cleaned by rubbing the area just one or two times with a wet cloth and some soap. It should be stain-resistant, as well.

5. How Long will the Ceiling Material Last?

Answer: You are investing your time and money into this renovation. So you should go for something that will last years without a scratch. Materials such as metal, PVC, or vinyl will last a long time, then say fabric or wood.

Metals and PVCs are also waterproof and odor resistant. Look into the lifespan of the material you choose for durability and longevity. 

6. Is the RV Ceiling Material Fire Resistant?

Answer: There can be no compromise in safety. Do your research on the material you are buying and get to know what it is made of. The material must be resistant to fire and with no doubt, be non-flammable. Also, talk to your insurance company before you make any changes.

7. Can You do the Ceiling Installation Yourself?

Answer: It’s a job that requires patience and skills, but it is not impossible. If you have a few helping hands with you, you should be able to install the ceiling all by yourself.

This article covers all that you need to know to buy the best material for RV ceiling. Replacing your RV ceiling can be extremely exciting and fun for your whole family. It's like decorating your second home.

You know what factors to consider before you make this crucial decision, and now you can decorate your RV ceiling with the best material and impress your friends and family.